1) Easy: Well-established trails.
2) Moderate: Mostly level with some wet areas and off-trail walking.
3) Moderately difficult: No trails, some slopes and wet spots.
4) Strenuous: Steep slopes and/or unavoidable wet spots.
Sat, Feb 18, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Instructors: Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche and Stanley Stine
Join naturalists as they track animals and search for avian species, such as raptors, horned larks, buntings & winter finches and others, at McCoy Nature Preserve. Tracks of secretive mammals may make the day complete.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sun, Feb 26, 2012; 9 am to 3 pm

Instructors: Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche
Travel by Museum van and check out the tough guys who spend the frigid winter days at Pymatuning. Target species are raptors (maybe a Bald Eagle or two), migrating Swans and Grebes, and wintering forest birds.
Members: $20; nonmembers: $24.
Sun, Feb 26, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Instructors: Stanley Stine and Garrett Ormiston
The boardwalk and trails at Mentor Marsh can be a great place for bird-watching and nature observation. Join us as we take a late winter walk through Mentor Marsh. Along the way, we will learn about identifying shrubs and trees in the winter months. We will discuss the invasive species that threaten Mentor Marsh and ways that the Museum has utilized the cold winter months for invasive species control on our preserves.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sun, Mar 4, 2012; 2 to 5 pm

Instructors: Stanley Stine, Sarah Matheny and Meghan Doran
Springfield Bog Metro Park in Summit County opened in January of 2011. A prairie grassland habitat was planted, using over 40 species of native plants. Home to Bobolinks and Grasshopper Sparrows, late winter could bring those species which hunt this habitat for food and shelter. We are hoping to find Short-eared Owls, Marsh Harriers, Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sun, Mar 11, 2012; 9 am to 5 pm

Instructors: Dr. Tim Matson and Harvey Webster
Join us as we travel to select localities in Northeastern Ohio searching for flocks of migratory Tundra Swans, early nesting Bald Eagles, diving ducks and other open water waterfowl, late winter raptors and whatever else the season will bring. We will visit LaDue, Mosquito Creek and Pymatuning Reservoirs as well as wooded and open habitats in between seeking signs of spring. In past years we have seen hundreds of swans at a time, and upwards of a dozen eagles.
Members: $40; nonmembers: $47.
Sun, Mar 11, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Instructors: Stanley Stine, Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche
Amazing birding can be found at the Mahoning Sanctuary in Mahoning County. Using buds, bark and the scratch and sniff method, we will have a lesson in winter tree identification. Perhaps a river otter will pop in for a quick look!
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sat, Mar 17, 2012; 9 am to 4 pm

Instructors: Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche and Renee Boronka
Jump in the Museum van for this birding excursion to Findlay State Park, Caley Reservation and the Wellington and Oberlin Reservoirs. Targets species are waterfowl, raptors, gulls and any other nature sightings. Plan to warm up at a local lunch spot to celebrate St. Paddy's Day. (cost of lunch is not included in the trip)
Members: $20; nonmembers: $24.
Fri, Mar 23, 2012; 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Instructors: Dr. Tim Matson, Roberta Muelheim, and David Kriska
At up to 14 inches, Tiger Salamanders are big! This early spring adventure is an opportunity to witness one of the giants of the salamander world. The preserve we'll be visiting has a handicapped accessible boardwalk.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Fri, Mar 30, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Instructors: Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche and Stanley Stine
Help us to find those early species that have to blend in with little available vegetation at this time of year. Target species are American Woodcock, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Rough-legged Hawk and more. The vernal pools may provide other "spotted" creatures for inspection.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Fri, Mar 30, 2012; 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Instructors: Dr. Tim Matson, Roberta Muehlheim, David Kriska and Garrett Ormiston
Old man winter is reluctantly releasing his grip, and the salamanders and frogs know it! If the conditions are right, the sound of spring can be deafening with the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs around sunset.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sat, Mar 31, 2012; 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Instructors: Dr. Tim Matson, Roberta Muehlheim, David Kriska and Garrett Ormiston
Join us for an exciting foray in to the nocturnal world of amphibians at Spokane Swamp. This preserve consists of an extensive matrix of vernal pools. We will learn to identify the calls of the various frogs that inhabit the preserve, and we will search for elusive salamanders.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sat, Apr 7, 2012; 9 am to 4 pm

Instructors: David Kriska, Keith Moran and Garrett Ormiston
Spend a spring day canoeing in the gorge of the state designated Wild and Scenic Grand River. We continue to work on keeping this "Gorge-ous" section of the river from being overrun by alien Garlic Mustard. We'll also be stopping to admire the old growth Hemlock ravines and waterfalls at the Museum's own Cash/Hertrick Preserve.
Members: Free!; nonmembers: Free!
Sat, Apr 14, 2012; 8:30 am to noon

Instructor: Dr. Joe Hannibal
Join us for a tour of classic structures with a close look at local and imported stones used in their construction. We will study the stone architecture and setting of bridges, churches and other structures. Sites include; Old Viaduct, St. John's Episcopal Church, the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge and St. Patrick's Church.
Members: $19; nonmembers: $24.
Sat, Apr 14, 2012; 8 to 10:30 pm

Instructors: Roberta Muehlheim, David Kriska and Garrett Ormiston
Old man winter is reluctantly releasing his grip, and the salamanders and frogs know it. Early April often brings the first warm air mass and the smells and sounds of spring. If the conditions are right, the sound of spring can be deafening with the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs around sunset. Join us for some "hands-on" fun as we track down these tiny critters with impressive voices! We will also search for salamanders in the many vernal pools that are found at the preserve.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Fri Apr 20, 2012; 10 am to 2 pm

Instructors: Dr. Jim Bissell and Stanley Stine
The Big Swamp is a big deal in Ohio conservation efforts. Overall, the habitat is rare in Ohio. Drainage for agriculture and development has eliminated most of Ohio's natural wetland communities. This large tract is a prime example of natural history preserved.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sat, Apr 21, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Instructors: Stanley Stine, Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche
Search out the salamanders and other aquatic wonders that make their home at the Hadlock Preserve. Both the riverine and vernal pool environments will be explored.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sat, Apr 21, 2012; 7 to 9:30 pm

Instructors: Stanley Stine and Garrett Ormiston
Twilight is an exciting time to explore the diverse habitats found at the North Kingsville Sand Barrens. We will keep our eyes open for woodcock who may be utilizing the meadows and trails for courtship at dusk. We will also seek out some of the naturally occurring springs at the preserve and keep our ears open for owls along the trails.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Fri, Apr 27, 2012; 10 am to 3 pm

Instructors: Dr. Jim Bissell and Stanley Stine
Springtime in Ashtabula County is a must see event. The Grand River Terraces offers wonderful examples of wildflowers, vernal pool life and hosts a magnificent, diverse floodplain environment. Bird migration should provide plenty of sights and songs.
Members: $10; nonmembers: $14.
Sat, Apr 28, 2012; 8 am to 1 pm

Instructors: Harvey Webster, Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche
Hidden in the canyons of Cleveland is the world's fastest bird, the Peregrine Falcon. This once critically endangered species has made a stunning comeback over the past 30 years. We will tour downtown Cleveland in search of these "sleek missiles" capable of "stooping" at speeds in excess of 200mph. We will look for signs of success during this nesting time, at regional areas, particularly the Terminal Tower. We might also find the smaller American Kestrel and other birds that pass through or dwell in Cleveland.
Members: $25; nonmembers: $30.
Sat, Apr 28, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Instructors: Stanley Stine and Garrett Ormiston
Join us as we explore the wide diversity of wildflowers that occur at the Cash-Hertrick Preserve. The last weekend in April is quite often the peak time for viewing woodland wildflowers, which should present many photo opportunities. We will wrap up the hike with a visit to a scenic waterfall which is hidden in a deep ravine at the preserve.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Fri, May 4, 2012; 10 am to 2 pm

Instructors: Dr. Jim Bissell and Stanley Stine
Join Naturalists in their search to re-locate West Virginia White butterflies at the Museum's own Koelliker Fen in Geauga County. These small white butterflies were last seen in the fen in the 1980's.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Sat, May 5, 2012; 10 am to 2 pm

Instructors: Garrett Ormiston and Trish Mackeigan
Spring is a beautiful season to take a walk along the scenic Chagrin River. We will look at some of the native wildflowers that are growing on the floodplain and take time to pull the invasive garlic mustard that we encounter along the way. We will also explain why removing garlic mustard is so crucial to maintaining the quality of floodplain ecosystems. Light refreshments will be provided for all participants at the end of the hike.
Members: Free; nonmembers: Free.
Sun, May 6, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Instructors: Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche and Stanley Stine
Help Naturalists in their search for West Virginia White butterflies, wildflowers and more at the Chamberlin Preserve near Middlefield, Ohio.
Members:$8; nonmembers: $12.
Tues, May 8, 2012; 8 am to 4 pm

Instructors: Dr. Jim Bissell, Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche
We will be looking for early nesting Neotropical warblers and thrushes at the Beaver Creek State Park in East Liverpool. In recent years Common Merganser have nested along Little Beaver Creek. Come along for a day of breathtaking geology, botany, birds and fun.
Members: $20; nonmbers: $24.
Fri, May 11, 2012; 8 am to 6 pm

Instructors: Dr. Jim Bissell, Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche
Have you ever seen Painted Trillium and Pink Lady's Slippers by the dozens? Join us for a stunning botanical foray into Western Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest to see these beauties. Impressive geologic overlooks have created a special haven for many plants and creatures.
Members: $20; nonmembers: $24.
Mon, May 14, 2012; 6 am to 8 pm; van departs at 6 am sharp.

Instructors: Dr. Tim Matson, Dr. Andy Jones, Nancy Howell and Harvey Webster
Some of the BEST spring migration birding can be found in Ohio with songbirds, waterfowl, raptors and waders, we hope to see and identify moe than 100 species among our group. This BIG DAY trek to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a must for ALL BIRDERS. Novice and experienced birders will delight in the opportunity to observe the awe of the migration spectacle that is unfolding before you!
Members: $55; nonmembers: $70.
Tues, May 15, 2012; 9 am to 3 pm

Instructors: Dr. Jim Bissell, Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche
Accompany Naturalists to the Sawdust Tract to seek out species that are rare and not often seen. The species we are targeting could be "lifers" for participants.
Members: $10; nonmembers: $14.
Fri, May 18, 2012; 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Instructors: Dr. Tim Matson; Dr. Jim Bissell, David Kriska and Roberta Muehlheim
European settlers in Ohio from the early 19th century described its vast grasslands (Prairie is French for "meadow"). These writing describe the prairies, noting the plants and animals encountered there. We will be visiting one of the largest remaining prairies in Ohio, Resthaven Wildlife Area. We'll be on the lookout for critters not known from Northeast Ohio.
Members: $20; nonmembers: $24.
Tues, May 22, 2012; 9 am to 7 pm

Instructors: Dr. Jim Bissell, Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche
Trek through various Western Pennsylvania Gamelands with us while we search for unusual special that are protected by their extensive land system.
Members: $20; nonmembers: $24.
Wed, May 30, 2012; 9 am to noon

Instructors: Dr. Jim Bissell, Trish Mackeigan and Garrett Ormiston
Join Botany and Natural areas staff as we take a late-summer hike through a unique upland forest protected by the Cleveland Metroparks. Nestled in a Cleveland neighborhood, this part of the Rocky River Reservation features scenic views, deep winding ravines, and a mature forest canopy which is perched overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Rocky River and Big Met Golf Course. Additionally we are likely to see a number of rare plants that are found in a unique plant community known as a Slump.
Members: $8; nonmembers: $12.
Aug 12 through 15, 2012

The Perseids Meteor Shower is at its best in mid-August and we are going to the darkest place we can find to see it. Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah not only offers some of the darkest and clearest skies in the country, but it also has a rich cultural and natural history. Participants will have the opportunity to view the meteor shower every night for three days and possibly see up 60 meteors an hour during peak times, with the help of CMNH educators. There will also be optional daytime excursions to see pictographs and petroglyphs from the ancient Fremont culture, the historic Fruita orchards, and awe-inspiring geological features. Our group will be hosted in dormitory-style accommodations by Capitol Reef Field Station, run by Utah Valley University, located at the heart of the national park.
The price includes transportation to and from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas NV, lodging, all astronomy and natural history programming, and all meals from dinner on 8/12 to breakfast on 8/15. Airfare is not included. Participants should plan on arriving in Las Vegas no later than 2 pm on 8/12/2012 and departing no earlier than 3 pm on 8/15/2012. Members: $450; nonmembers: $500.